Standing before us is the Parish Santa Ana. It is a testament to faith and history. Its story weaves through centuries of Mexican heritage. The Parish Santa Ana began as a simple hermitage. It was transformed between 1550 and 1554 into the church we see today.
The Santa Ana Church has great significance. It technically marks the temple of old Santa Ana Atenantitech neighborhood. Atenantitech was part of Tlatelolco. It later became known as Peralvillo. Most residents call it La Lagunilla.
Do you know what Atenantitech means? It translates to stone fence. This refers to its location at the northern edge of the ancient island. By the late 18th century, it became part of Peralvillo. This neighborhood later featured a famous horse-racing track. It has always been a primarily indigenous neighborhood.
The Parish Santa Ana holds a special place in religious history. It is celebrated as the baptismal site of Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin. He later witnessed the Marian apparitions at Tepeyac. This is now the Basilica de Guadalupe. The Parish Santa Ana is also where Mariano Matamoros held his first mass in 1796. He was an independence insurgent.
To the east of the Parish Santa Ana, Peralvillo Avenue stretched as the colonial-era Real de Santa Ana. This royal road was the longest in the city. Its location near the Garita de Peralvillo also made the church famous. The Garita marked the northern edge of the city. It was the start of the causeway to the north. People gave thanks here. They were grateful for arriving safely and for passing tax collectors.
Interestingly, the Parish Santa Ana faces south. This is similar to the Cathedral, the Temple of Santo Domingo, and the old Basilica of Guadalupe. This was a key processional route. This was the last stop within the city. Above the semicircular arch, there is a statue of Joachim. He was Saint Anne’s husband and the patron of the church.
The plaza of Santa Ana once extended the church’s atrium in an L-shape. This changed in the late 19th century. Today, it is a pleasant spot after a Sunday stroll. This can be after a visit through the La Lagunilla tianguis.
Imagine the viceroys arriving here. They would exit their carriages. Then, they would enter Mexico City on horseback. The Parish Santa Ana served as a grand entrance. It was a place of welcome and reverence.
The Parish Santa Ana has stood witness to countless events. It has seen viceroys welcomed, prayers offered, and a neighborhood evolve. It remains a symbol of faith and endurance. Its stones echo with stories of Mexico City’s past. The Parish Santa Ana invites us to reflect on the layers of history. Each layer has shaped this remarkable city. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of faith, history, and community. It is all embodied in this sacred space.